NCAA Basketball Best Bets (Jan. 24): Betting Odds & Top Picks

We're casting a wide net here with a handful of half-unit plays on this packed NCAA hoops Saturday.

With so many games on the slate, there are quite a few spots that stand out for value. From up-tempo shootouts, a squad looking to bounce back against a struggling defense, to a team that’s near impossible to beat on its home floor — here’s a look at our best bets for Saturday’s college hoops action.

(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

You can find all the odds used in my predictions at DraftKings, BetMGM, and Bet365.

Are you in search of further NCAA and sports betting promotions? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here. 

NCAA Basketball Best Bet For January 24

No. 21 Georgia vs. Texas

Expect explosives in this SEC matchup in the Lone Star State.

Georgia's transition pace will be a factor

While Georgia is relatively balanced in the metrics, ranking 32nd in offense and 39th in defense according to KenPom, pace should be a major factor. The 21st-ranked Bulldogs come into this game with the fastest offensive pace in the country, so their solid defense might be factored out of an over, given their willingness to push the ball in transition.

Don't sleep on Texas at home

Even with a worse record and NET ranking than Georgia's, the Longhorns are short home favorites at -2.5 as of late Friday night. That line is a nod to how tough Texas has been on its own floor, going 9-4 this year and holding its own against solid competition despite an average overall roster.

Also, despite a slower pace, Texas has played like a true over team so far this season. The Longhorns currently rank 16th in offense and 105th in defense.

NCAA Best Bet for Georgia vs. Texas

Another edge for the over here is the tight spread. If this game plays out as Vegas expects and it's close - late-game fouling could extend the game and put both teams to the line.

• Pick: Over 168.5 (-110 BetMGM)
• Trust both of these offenses in what should be a close, fast-paced matchup. In this case, close games usually favor the over.

Best Brand

Bet365 Promo

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose

Get bonus now

Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

Best Bonus

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

FanDuel Promo

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

Duquesne vs. Loyola Chicago

This line doesn’t make much sense in a game featuring one of the worst teams in the country.

Fade Loyola’s defense

That’s really the basis of this bet, and it’s that simple. Loyola has been a solid program in recent years, but this season, they’ve taken a nosedive and hit rock bottom a couple of weeks into A-10 conference play. Out of 365 NCAA D-I teams, the Ramblers rank 336th in defensive efficiency.

Duquesne is underrated and hungry for a win

Despite a slow start in conference play, you have to look deeper to see that Duquesne is underrated. They’ve faced a tough schedule and have still managed some solid results.

The Dukes are coming off a four-point loss to ranked mid-major Saint Louis and have also dropped close games by six to Dayton, three to Nevada, and ten at Villanova.

NCAA Best Bet & Prediction for Dusquesne vs. Loyola Chicago

• Pick: Duquesne -4.5 (-112 DraftKings)
• Expect a motivated, get-right type of performance in the windy city on Saturday afternoon.

No.11 Illinois vs. No.4 Purdue

This game should be a fun one, but injuries and the venue should play a big role.

Purdue is unstoppable at home

Mackey Arena has been one of the toughest places to play in college basketball for years, and that dominance continues this season. The Boilermakers are 12-1 at home, with their only loss coming to top-ranked Iowa State. Historically, Purdue has won more than 80% of its games at Mackey since it opened in 1967, compiling an all-time home record well above .800.

Boswell’s absence will be felt

It didn’t seem to matter in Illinois’ most recent game against Maryland, but missing Kylen Boswell will impact this matchup. The star point guard from Champaign leads the team in minutes and ranks second in scoring.

While the Illini have a balanced offensive attack, it’ll need Boswell’s veteran presence against one of the best backcourts in the nation. Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, senior guards, have been a dynamic duo for years and are leading the team in scoring this season, combining for over 27.5 points per game.

NCAA Best Bet & Prediction for Illinois vs. Purdue

• Pick: Purdue -5 (-118 DraftKings)
• Trust the Boilermakers here coming off a loss at home.

UCF vs. Colorado

Both of these teams come into this Big-12 matchup in desperate spots, with UCF on a two-game skid and Colorado on a four-game skid.

UCF has proven to be the better team

UCF comes into this game with a better record and stronger metrics. The Knights rank 47th nationally in offense and 80th in defense, while Colorado comes in with the 60th-best offense and 119th in defense. On paper, it’s hard to justify why the Buffs are favored by three points here.

Colorado doesn’t have a great home-court advantage

Aside from the altitude, Colorado hasn’t shown much dominance at home this year. The Buffs have posted some questionable results in Boulder that should concern bettors.  They lost to Northern Colorado and Stanford, while barely beating Eastern Washington in overtime. That trend doesn’t inspire confidence against a UCF team that has been more consistent overall.

NCAA Best Bet & Prediction for UCF vs. Colorado

• Pick: UCF +3 (-125 Bet365)
• With better balance on both ends of the floor, a clear metrics advantage, and a favorable spot - trust the road dogs here in a shootout.

No. 19 Kansas vs. Kansas State 

In one of college basketball’s oldest rivalries, the Sunflower Showdown has favored Kansas for decades.

Trust history to continue

Kansas leads the all-time series by a wide margin and has consistently held the edge both at home and on the road. In the Big 12 era, the Jayhawks have dominated the Wildcats, posting a 59-9 record over the past 30 years.

Kansas gets a spark from an electric freshman

If Darryn Peterson’s name isn’t on your radar yet, it will be soon as March approaches. After missing time with an injury, the freshman guard has stepped in and made an immediate impact, averaging 22.2 points per game in limited action while also contributing 1.1 steals and a block per contest.

Trust the Jayhawks long-term

Looking ahead, Kansas is a team you can rely on thanks to its blend of young talent and seasoned veterans.

Seniors Tre White and Melvin Council Jr. have been consistent contributors all season. White, a 6-foot-7 transfer guard, adds valuable frontcourt versatility while averaging 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

NCAA Best Bet & Prediction for Kansas vs. Kansas State

• Pick: Kansas -4.5 (-112 DraftKings)
• In an in-state rivalry game, don't overthink this one and take the better team.